Cryotherapy is a common method used to remove warts by applying an extremely cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, to the affected tissue. This process causes controlled injury to the wart cells, destroying them so the body can replace them with healthy skin. Understanding the expected visual changes is helpful, as the healing process involves stages that can look alarming if unfamiliar. This sequence of changes indicates the treatment successfully initiated the necessary immune and tissue response to eliminate the wart.
Initial Appearance and Redness
Immediately following the cryotherapy procedure, the treated area will exhibit an acute inflammatory response that begins the healing process. The skin surrounding the application site will appear red and slightly swollen. This immediate redness is a natural reaction as blood rushes to the area to start the repair process. The treated wart itself may turn a shade of white or gray due to the immediate freezing effect on the tissue.
This temporary discoloration signifies that the intended temperature was reached to damage the wart cells. Tenderness and a mild stinging or burning sensation are also common during the first few hours, but these effects usually subside relatively quickly as the skin begins to warm and stabilize.
The Blistering and Darkening Phase
Within the first 24 to 72 hours following treatment, a blister will form beneath the frozen tissue. This separation of the dead wart tissue from the healthy underlying skin is the primary indication that the cryotherapy was effective. The blister may be filled with clear fluid, but often, especially with deeper warts, it appears dark red or purple, forming a hemorrhagic blister. This dark appearance is caused by blood vessels within the wart tissue rupturing due to the freezing, which is a normal and expected outcome.
Simultaneously, the wart itself will start to turn dark gray or black as the frozen cells die in a process called necrosis. This black, shriveled appearance is a positive sign that the treatment successfully killed the wart tissue. It is important not to puncture the blister, as the fluid inside provides a sterile environment that protects the new skin forming underneath. The blister will remain intact for several days. Over the next few days, the blister will begin to dry out and flatten as the fluid is reabsorbed.
Shedding and Final Skin Repair
As the blister flattens and dries, it will form a firm, dark scab over the entire treated area, typically within one week of the procedure. This scab incorporates the dead wart tissue and serves as a protective layer for the new skin growing below. The wart tissue will eventually slough off with the scab, often within one to three weeks after the cryotherapy session.
The newly revealed skin underneath will often appear pink, smooth, and may be tender to the touch for a short time. This pink coloration is new, healthy tissue that is still developing its normal pigmentation. For some individuals, the new skin may be temporarily lighter or darker than the surrounding area (hypo- or hyperpigmentation). Complete return to the skin’s normal appearance can take several weeks or even a few months as the skin fully regenerates. Allowing the scab to fall off naturally minimizes the risk of scarring and ensures the entire depth of the treated wart has been removed.
Signs of Abnormal Healing
While some temporary discomfort is normal, certain visual indicators suggest the healing process is not proceeding as expected and may require medical attention.
- Spreading redness that extends noticeably beyond the initial treatment site, particularly if accompanied by warmth, can signal a developing infection.
- The presence of thick, persistent yellow or green discharge, or pus, indicates a secondary infection.
- Severe pain that steadily increases after the first 24 hours, rather than subsiding, warrants consulting a healthcare professional.
- If the treated wart remains completely unchanged after the initial inflammation subsides, the treatment may have failed to penetrate the tissue adequately.
- If the wart appears to grow larger or new warts develop nearby following the treatment, a repeat or alternative method may be necessary to fully resolve the issue.